My Town Monday: Mr. Sandman

Aerial view of cul de sac

There is a little public street that runs off Silver Strand Blvd and leads to the beach close to the Hotel del Coronado. Avenida del Sol. There are a couple of reasons to be aware of this street.

First, it's a cul-de-sac that offers free parking with great beach access.

Second, you're likely to see sand art by our very own Coronado Sandman.

Yes, yes, that's some at the top of this post! With a broom and a dust pan and sand trekked off the beach to the street, Alberto Avilla AKA the Coronado Sandman creates. He claims his inspiration comes from an angel who speaks to him. If you catch him at work, don't hesitate to say hi. He's friendly and chatty. He dresses in a cap and old suit. He doesn't have a lot of teeth left, but he loves to design "sand formations" which is what he calls his art. He has received a few citations based on complaints by citizens.

Look for his art on the cul de sac and on the sidewalk leading to the Hotel del. Cars drives over it. People walk on it. The sand pictures are quite long lasting, though.

If you happen to visit the area on a day without art (or if you don't have plans to visit San Diego), you can keep an eye on the Coronado webcam. http://coronadowebcam.com/

Last week, Child #4 and I were meandering along Avenida del Sol, admiring the sand art. But I'd forgotten my camera.

Luckily, my psychic niece (who occasionally comments on this blog) still had the photos she'd taken on her last trip out to visit us. And she emailed them to me. Thanks, Stef! Here they are for your viewing pleasure!










Here's the man himself!

You can friend him on myspace.

And on facebook










Please pop over to Travis Erwin's blog. He's our Fearless Leader for My Town Mondays. Along with his own MTM post, he'll have a list of participants.



sources:
http://www.ecoronado.com/profiles/blogs/local-spotlight-the-coronado
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bundabergtim/1824355694/
http://www.eaglenewsca.com/articles/2008/07/10/news/news02.txt